The General People's Congress carried out a slight reshuffle of the Libyan government overnight, appointing a new justice minister and creating the post of environment minister, an official said Sunday.

Mohamed al-Misrati, a high-ranking security official, was designated minister of justice and general security, replacing Abdel Rahman al-Abbar, who quit the same post after one year's service, the official said on condition of anonymity.

Prime Minister Mubarak Shamekh retained his post while the congress created the slot of deputy prime minister, awarding it to former oil minister Abdullah al-Badri.

The new post of environment and urban planning minister was handed to Hatiuish Faraj, an ex-health minister.

The reshuffle was announced late Saturday night at the end of a congress session, coinciding with the 32nd anniversary of Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi's coming to power -- TRIPOLI (AFP)